The Ladies Alpine Society
The Ladies Alpine Society is currently an Amazon Exclusive, and available to read on Kindle Unlimited.
Not to worry, you can also purchase a paperback through them as well, if you like.
This four-book series is about Victorian women's Alpine climbing, set during the Golden Age of Mountaineering, 1866-1872. In the course of these books, read about innovations (based in real history!) of knot-tying, alpine gear, and women's climbing costumes. Stay with Eleanor, Prudence, Justine, and Ophelia as they prepare to become the first women up the Matterhorn.
1. In Knots Over You
Eleanor Piper’s best friend is a one-eyed former ship’s captain who taught her every knot he ever knew. Now at a marriageable age, her parents want an aristocratic marriage for her, now that Piper Shipping Co. has been recognized as an economic power. As she escapes to the ladies lounge during her first ball, she encounters the beautiful and ambitious Miss Ophelia Bridewell with a fashion mishap that requires a decorative knot to fix. As soon as Eleanor helps, Ophelia sweeps Eleanor into the Ladies Alpine Society. Not knowing what the club is about, and having had no friends her own age, Eleanor is pleased and intimidated. And then she meets Ophelia’s brother, the unspeakably handsome Tristan. Oh, did Ophelia mention that they were climbing the tallest mountain in the UK? The fog-riddled, treacherous Ben Nevis?Tristan Bridewell is the spare, not the heir. The third child and the second son, he is free to do whatever he likes. If he could figure out what that was, all would be well. Blessed with good looks, an even temperament, and a robust constitution makes him happy to help his younger sister’s singular focus on mountain climbing. Ever since the Matterhorn was summited the previous year, his sister Ophelia can think of nothing else. Will Tristan help her? Absolutely. Will he be a part of the Ladies Alpine Society?
Happy to help. But when he meets the new member, Eleanor Piper, he suddenly has a difficult time concentrating. And when they climb Ben Nevis, in Scotland, the harsh conditions and rotten snow force him to the brink of control, in more ways than one.
2. In the Money With You
Prudence Cabot sailed to Europe to find a lover.
As an American widow flush with cash, she has hopes of finding the burning, passionate love she never experienced in her marriage. But instead, she found The Ladies Alpine Society, and is now pressed into planning a fundraising ball with the expedition’s accountant, Leo Moon. Prudence feels out of her depth, but glad to have a partner-in-crime to help her navigate British culture. But the taciturn Mr. Moon doesn’t like her—or does he like her too much?
One look and she saw right through him.
Leo Moon is not his real name. He has spent most of his life building his wealth, protecting his mother, hiding in plain sight. But in walks Prudence, and his secrets are laid bare. When he overhears her talking about wanting a lover, he offers his services. After all, they’ve been charged with planning a ridiculous party, so they have an excuse to call on one another. But as they keep their burning-hot secret, Leo’s past waltzes into London, and Leo is forced to choose.
His safety or her love?
3. Into the Breach With You
A fearless woman determined to climb the Matterhorn.
Justine Brewer has been underestimated her entire life. Now, in Switzerland, at the foot of the Matterhorn, she has to prove that her pretty face and short stature have nothing to do with her strength and capabilities. The Ladies’ Alpine Society must acclimate to the elevation and rough conditions of the Alpine environment. It doesn’t help that the guide they’ve hired to take them up the mountain is insulting and demanding—and handsome. He issues a challenge, and Justine works double to prove that she's not afraid of a little climbing; but is she ready to fall?
A capable mountain guide with a chip on his shoulder.
Karl Vogel is proud to be helping with his uncle and aunt’s new Zermatt inn to accommodate the influx of Alpine tourism. But Karl did not ever believe that his first clients through the inn would be a group of pampered Englishwomen. They look delicate and breakable. How are they supposed to endure a mountain that has killed far heartier men, especially when they are just as arrogant as everyone who swans into his home with something to prove? But when that feisty one who doesn't even look big enough to climb a mountain shows up early every morning to accompany him, he starts to warm to the group, and her most of all.
Can they work together to conquer a mountain? Or will their egos keep them apart?
4. Into the Sky with You (out May 8th)
All is lost . . .
Ophelia Bridewell led an expedition that resulted in disaster. While the rest of the world continues on, she remains in mourning. But when Sir Julian Dunstan, an acolyte of her father’s, arrives on their doorstep, Ophelia feels a flicker of both jealousy and hope. Dunstan’s exploratory escapades captivate her like her father’s tales once did. When Sir Julian suggests she re-attempt the Matterhorn with him, Ophelia throws herself into planning—not realizing that summitting the Matterhorn is only a fraction of what they could accomplish together.
A new beginning beckons . . .
Sir Julian Dunstan is practically feral. Ten years alone in the mountains will do that to a man. Upon arrival in London, his first stop is his mentor’s house to share his calculations for a new mapping technique called topography. Yet Julian returns week after week for conversation with Miss Ophelia. How can he resist a beautiful young woman who lights up more brilliantly than a full moon on a clear night at the prospect of sharing a summit? But he must keep his fancies of something more at bay—his loyalty to Miss Ophelia’s father cannot be corrupted by his lust. And every glance in the mirror showcases the salt-and-pepper beard that betrays his age.
One night could ruin it all . . .